Cross Keys

by Ally Shields

  Seliwyn’s solemn face produced a ghost of a smile. “I’m counting on it.”

  Once outside the chamber, the trio strode purposefully down the spiral corridors. Kam stopped when they reached the ground entrance to the Guard quarters.

  “Do what you like, but I’m going home for the evening. My mother and Esty will be anxious, and since tonight is the Winter Solstice Feast, I intend to spend it with them. I’ll meet you at 6:30 tomorrow morning, here in the breakfast room.”

  Seth raised a brow. “Taking charge so soon?”

  “I do outrank you, recruit.” Kam kept her face blank, although it was hard when Rhyden snickered.

  “She’s got you there, cuz.”

  Kam wondered if there was going to be trouble over this until she saw the corner of Seth’s mouth quiver as he fought against a smile. “Should I call you Lieutenant?”

  “Not necessary. But keep it in mind.”

  “Yes, Madam Lieutenant, I’ll do that.”

  * * *

  Kam was still smiling over Seth’s parting remark when she walked into her parents’ house.

  “Kammy!” Esty came running, then her parents, and behind them, the tall, handsome figure of Caleb.

  Good lord, why had she not realized Caleb would be waiting?

  “Where have you been all this time?” Her mother was running her hands up and down Kam’s arms as if checking to make sure she was in one piece. “We thought you’d be home hours ago. Caleb’s here to see you. Are you home to stay?”

  “I’m fine, Mother. I’m so sorry you were worried, but we had a lot to discuss with the king. I’m glad to be home.” She gave her mother a hug. “I’ll just be here overnight. After that, I’ll be staying at the palace for a while. I have a special assignment.”

  “Sit down and tell us all about it,” her mother urged.

  “I’m afraid I can’t discuss it.”

  “Now, honey, don’t question her.” Kam’s father nodded at his daughter. “You know there are some things she can’t talk about.”

  “Government secrets, I suppose. Well, no matter.” Her mother dismissed the issue. Kam knew she hadn’t really been interested in the details anyway, not unless they involved homemaking or babies. Things like security and safety had always been taken for granted. “We’ve already finished the roasted duck and were having bread pudding. Are you hungry?”

  “I’m fine, Mother. Tea would be great.” Funny, but she’d almost asked for coffee. Coffee with a generous dose of cream, no sugar.

  She felt an arm slip around her waist, and Caleb turned her to face him. “I’m glad to finally have you back.” He kissed her lightly on the lips. “You can’t imagine how concerned we were when you were stuck on the other side.”

  “Believe me, no more than I was.”

  “At least you weren’t alone.” His eyes seemed to hold a question.

  Kam turned away and pulled out a chair at the table. “No, Seth and Rhyden Lormarc were with me most of the time. Shall we have tea now?”

  “Actually,” her mother turned from the counter with a tray of mugs, “I thought we’d have eggnog first to toast the new season.”

  Smiling at her mother’s determination to play the hostess and celebrate the winter feast, Kam accepted a mug and raised it in the customary salute. Yet her mind returned to that look from Caleb. Did he suspect something or was she just feeling guilty?

  He sat beside her, her father took the head of the table, and her mother and sister sat on the far side to finish their eggnog and dessert. The table talk was mostly about activities in Elvenrude. When it switched to New Orleans and recent events there, Kam became vague in answer to their questions. She couldn’t talk about most of it—and didn’t want to talk about the rest.

  “But you were being chased by bad guys, weren’t you?” Esty was persistent.

  “Mostly we were doing the chasing, but my apartment was being watched so I couldn’t go home.” She knew she’d said too much the moment her mother’s head came up.

  “Then where were you staying?”

  Kam mumbled a response. Caleb leaned closer to hear what she’d said, and their bare arms brushed. He felt warm, solid. But there wasn’t a sign of that awareness that sparked with Seth.

  She raised her voice, keeping it matter-of-fact. “It was a multi-bedroom apartment leased by the Lormarc Guild. But the best part was having your sweet tarts I’d been saving in the freezer.” That got her mother talking about baking, and Kam didn’t have to talk or even think about the Lormarc apartment.

  Her parents and Esty went to bed early. Kam was sure they had done it on purpose to allow time alone with Caleb. Kam had dreaded this moment—because she’d known what she had to do since that brief brush of arms at the table.

  Caleb pulled her down beside him on the couch. “I believe you owe me an answer to a question. I know I said the Winter Ball, but I think you’ve already made up your mind.”

  “How did you know?”

  He squeezed her shoulder. “How long have we been friends? I can read your body language, so let’s have it. Even though I can guess what you’re going to say, I don’t intend to make it easy.”

  Kam stomach clenched, swamped with guilt. She didn’t deserve easy. How could she have been in another man’s bed only forty-eight hours ago when she hadn’t yet given Caleb an answer?

  She took a deep breath and met his gaze. “I love you, Caleb. I guess I’ve loved you most of my life, but I can’t marry you. It isn’t the kind of love you want or deserve.” She saw the pain flash across his face. “I never meant to hurt you. Honestly. I’m so sorry I let you believe we could have a life together.”

  He placed a finger across her lips. “Hush, Kam. There’s no need to apologize. I won’t pretend this is the answer I wanted, but none of us can control who we love.” He replaced his finger with a quick brush of his lips. “I think I should go now.” He pushed himself off the couch and stood looking down at her. “I hope everything works out. The mission—and, well, everything. It won’t be easy. I’ll still be here if you need a friend. And unless you’ve made other plans, I hope we can have our last night together at the Winter Ball.”

  “I wouldn’t want to go with anyone else.”

  When she heard the front door close, Kam wiped the tears from her eyes. In spite of what he’d said, Caleb had made it easy for her to end their dreams of marriage. He was a terrific guy, and she couldn’t help but wonder if she’d made the biggest mistake of her life.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Kam was early for the breakfast meeting. Restless night. The dark circles under her eyes were a dead giveaway, but her steps were firm, her chin raised in determination. She’d done a lot of soul-searching after Caleb left—about a lot of things—including the world-changing events facing her homeland. Her personal life might be in turmoil, but she felt pretty certain what she needed to do about Elvenrude.

  The brisk morning walk had chilled her fingers, and Kam wrapped them around a cup of hot tea. She nodded to a couple of the guardsmen she knew and found an empty table.

  Her gaze flew to the door the instant he entered the room. Seth looked well-rested, confident as ever. He and Rhyden started through the cafeteria line. She nodded when they looked her way and waited impatiently while they filled their plates and joined her.

  “Is that the extent of your breakfast, or have you already eaten?” Seth dropped into the chair across from her; Rhyden sat between them.

  “I wasn’t very hungry.”

  He gave her a sharp look. “Pardon my saying so, but you don't look so good.”

  “Thanks. But I already looked in the mirror.” She took a deep breath. “I didn’t sleep much last night… I think we’re making a mistake.”

  Seth paused with his fork in mid-air. “How so?”

  “We shouldn’t have brought the guns.” Her eyes met his, then flicked to Rhyden and back.

  Seth frowned and set his fork down. “We talked about this.”

&n
bsp; “I know, but I just can’t be part of changing Elvenrude. We’d be admitting our ways are inferior, vulnerable. Elvenrude wouldn’t be the same, and—win or lose—in the end, we’d still lose.”

  “If they shoot our king and our guards, then what?” Seth didn’t appear angry, only impatient to be having this discussion again. “Are you willing to live in a world run by these madmen and their guns?”

  “Of course not.” Kam gave him a weak smile. “I’d go down fighting before giving in, but I don’t think it needs to end that way. Why can’t we fight the old way? Aren’t we guilty of assuming our weapons are inferior? We have bows, knives, and if I’m not mistaken, you’re both very good with the sword.”

  “None better.” Rhyden stuck out his arm and flexed his wrist as if flicking an imaginary foil. “Number one and two in our Academy class. Guess who was first?”

  Seth remained silent, his head cocked looking at them.

  “We also have the elven magic.”

  Now he frowned. “For all the good it will do us. You know earthborn magic is not as effective here.”

  “Some of it works, and a little protection is better than none,” she argued. “What about using the chain mail, the titanite? Will it deflect bullets?”

  Seth leaned back, his eyes thoughtful. “To my knowledge, it’s never been tested.”

  “Splendid idea. I’m all for anything that keeps me alive,” Rhyden said. “But how are we going to test the titanite vests and keep the guns a secret? We can’t run any tests at the academy or go shooting up the countryside.”

  “What about the mines?” Seth asked. “There are dozens of abandoned shafts. No one would see or hear us.”

  “Then you’ll do it?” Kam linked her fingers in her lap, trying to hide her nervousness. “You’ll give up the guns?” She didn’t want to go to Brunic or the king and plead her case without the Lormarcs’ support. They’d never forgive her, and she wouldn’t blame them.

  Seth shook his head. “I’m not agreeing to anything except testing the vests. I want to think about this.”

  “Sorry, Kam, but I’m with Seth on this. It’s a tough decision.”

  She nodded, swallowing her disappointment. At least they were considering it.

  “I know the perfect mine.” Rhyden pushed his empty plate aside. “Those in the foothills gave out decades ago. Nobody goes there, and I know one that has a couple of large chambers close to the entrance.”

  “Sounds perfect. When?”

  “Let’s not get in a hurry,” Seth said, pushing back his chair. “Regardless of the weapons we use, we need to bait the trap by visiting the guilds and a couple of the bigger mines. If we want the conspirators to come after us, they need to know we’re hunting for them…and for an illegal mine. Who knows? Someone may come forward with information.”

  “Yeah, right. Aren’t you the optimist this morning.” Rhyden gave Seth’s shoulder a playful punch, as they got up from the table. “That would be nice, but don’t count on it. Captain Brunic questioned everyone. If someone was coming forward on their own, it would have happened by now.”

  “Anything can happen.” Seth retaliated by a firm smack on the back. “Why I even heard you had a date with the Wessely girl last week. Why she’d pick you is beyond me.”

  The three of them walked out together; the two men laughing and Kam shaking her head.

  Four hours later, after conspicuous visits to the guilds and mining offices, including those run by the crossbreed houses of Petros and Trevain, they had no more information than when they’d started. But they’d certainly made their presence known. Dressed in full Guard regalia—black uniforms, crossbows, and swords—they formed a striking trio. They’d chosen to make an obvious splash by appearing on white, high stepping horses from their stables. They rode bareback except for the decorative pouches that concealed the guns.

  By the time they arrived at the Silver Hills mining office, the largest of the mining operations, word of their search had already spread.

  “So just what are you looking for?” the foreman asked. His shrew eyes weren’t unfriendly, but Kam figured he ran his crew with an iron fist. He was respectful—to be less around three guild owners would be career suicide—but he was direct.

  “Contraband or evidence of a secret mining operation.” Seth gave him a level gaze. “The details are being withheld at this stage of the investigation. I think you’d recognize the signs if you saw them.”

  “That I would.” The foreman drew a deep breath into his large chest. “I s’pose this is related to the portal closing, so I’ll ask around. Anything to get them running again.” He ran his eyes over the three of them. “Must be big to have the houses working together.”

  Kam smiled at Seth and nodded at the foreman as they left. She’d made an effort all morning to show a united front and hide any strain. Seth had done his part, and Kam finally relaxed, feeling they’d almost regained the casual friendship they’d had before their night together. Still, the awareness was there if they accidentally touched. They both used Rhyden as a buffer.

  After lunch, Seth suggested they pick up the titanite body shirts and find Rhyden’s mine. “I think we’ve laid the ground work for them to come after us. We can let that fester while we find out if chain mail will stop their bullets.”

  The keeper at the armory was openly curious. “Are you having a mock skirmish of some kind?”

  “Something like that,” Seth agreed.

  The man looked them up and down. “Well, you might have to try on a few before we get the size right.”

  “Oh, we don’t want to wear them.” Rhyden backpedaled when the keeper’s face showed immediate surprise. “Uh, actually we do, just not right now.”

  “But I thought you wanted them today?”

  “Don’t pay any attention to him,” Kam said. If wearing the shirts would curtail the keeper’s suspicions, she’d go along. Besides, she wanted to know if the shirts would interfere with movement. Might as well start getting used to them. “I think this one will fit me.” She picked up a silvery shirt and disappeared into a fitting room. When she reappeared, with only a small glint of silver showing at the neck of her black outfit, the Lormarcs were gone.

  “Trying on their vests,” the keeper explained, smiling now that they were acting like he felt they should. “Seth asked about a matching titanite shield, and I found one.” He held up the diamond shaped defensive weapon to show her. “It’ll stop any arrow, knife or sword.”

  Yes, but more importantly, would it stop a bullet? The shield would make the perfect test target. They certainly weren’t going to be testing the shirt vests by shooting at one another.

  “All set?” The keeper beamed at Seth and Rhyden when they returned and handed him the vests that didn’t fit. “It’s nice to see this old stuff getting used. Captain Brunic should use it more often in training. Don’t you agree?”

  “A good idea,” Kam said. “We’ll mention it to him.”

  Leaving the armory, they rode into the foothills with Rhyden directing them to the abandoned mine less than thirty minutes away. They were nearing the foothills when Kam glanced over her shoulder at Rhyden and spotted movement in the distance behind him. “Hey, I think somebody’s following—”

  A shot rang out. All three horses startled at the unknown sound. Kam’s horse reared, and when a second shot sounded, the mare collapsed, falling backward. Kam jumped free to avoid being crushed. She landed hard, but rolled over and scrambled behind the carcass of her dead mare, using the body for cover.

  Seth brought his stallion under control and glanced at Kam. She waved him on, letting him know she was uninjured, and both men wheeled, racing toward the shooter. Kam pulled herself up a little higher and peered after them.

  Lying low along their horses’ necks, bows already armed with arrows, the men had separated to provide a divided target and charged across the meadow.

  She sucked in her breath. How much they looked like elfish warriors out of the pa
st.

  Rapid shots echoed across the foothills. She wasn’t sure if Seth or Rhyden released any arrows or if just the sight of them bearing down on him was enough, but the shooter broke off the attack and vanished into a small gorge. The Lormarcs gave chase and were quickly out of sight.

  There was nothing Kam could do except wait. She swallowed hard, ran her hand gently over Maya’s neck, and gave her one last pat. She’d been Kam’s favorite ride. At least the mare had died instantly, without prolonged pain. Fighting back tears, Kam removed the bridle and retrieved the pouch from the dirt where it had been thrown. She’d send someone out later to bring the body home and bury it near the Ryndel stables.

  She sniffed and brushed off her clothes, squinting into the sun, watching for further assailants. Seth’s bait theory appeared to have worked sooner than expected. Unless the Lormarcs caught up with the gunman and got some answers, they’d all be watching their backs from now on.

  She didn’t have to wait long. Distant figures rode toward her. She placed one hand on her bow, but soon they were close enough to identify her companions. They were alone.

  Kam walked out to meet them. “What happened? Did you see who it was?”

  “Nope.” Rhyden shook his head in disgust. “He disappeared into a series of ravines. Obviously knew his way around the countryside better than we did.”

  “You took a hard fall.” Seth studied her face. “Are you all right?”

  “Yes, but my mare’s dead. We’re lucky she was the only casualty.”

  Seth swung down and walked beside her, leading his stallion. “I didn’t expect an attack so soon. We’ll have to be more alert.”

  “I’ll say.”

  “Are you sure you weren’t hurt?” He kept his eyes straight ahead. “For a moment I thought you were going to be pinned under your horse.”

  “Not a scratch.” She didn’t want to dwell on the warm feeling she got from his obvious concern. She kept it light. “I was thrown so many times as a child that I know how to avoid flailing hoofs. Although this is the first time I’ve had a horse shot out from under me.”